Marine Corps Pfc. Cameron C. Nunes, son of Kathleen Chilton of San Diego, Calif., and Joseph Nunes, of Warwick, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., which is designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Nunes and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Nunes spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Nunes and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values – honor, courage and commitment, and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Nunes and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.